The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1985 that the first Monday in October would be World Habitat Day. World Habitat Day is the one day set aside annually to recognize the basic right of every person to have adequate shelter. It also encourages grassroots action toward ending poverty housing. 

This year World Habitat Day is Monday, Oct. 6th! There a number of ways you can get involved by helping raise awareness for the 1.6 billion people in need of adequate shelter around the world. Take action by sharing the social media posts, graphics and banners created by Habitat for Humanity International for this very important day or you can also click the links below to see other ways you can get involved:

• Sign the World Habitat Day petition
• Create a prayer and petition event
• Color a pinup
• Organize a door parade

However you plan to take action, know that every post shared, every signature on the petition, every prayer prayed, every event attended and hosted, and anything else that shines a light on the need for decent and affordable shelter makes a difference. When you participate, you are using your voice to speak out for people who are living in inadequate housing in your city and all over the world.

Deuteronomy 15:11
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Joshua 1:14-15...You are to help your brothers until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you...

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.

Nehemiah 9:15
But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.

Psalm 9:9
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 9:18
But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.

Psalm 12:5
"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "Then I will protect them from those who malign them."

Psalm 35:10
"You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."

Psalm 37:25
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

Psalm 72:4
He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.

Psalm 72:12-14
For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.  He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.

Psalm 82:3-4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 102:17
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.

Psalm 107:9
… for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 140:12
I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.

Psalm 146:7-9
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Proverbs 3:27-28
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" — when you now have it with you.

Proverbs 11:24-25
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 14:20-21
The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

Proverbs 14:31
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Proverbs 19:17
He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

Proverbs 31:8-9
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Isaiah 1:17
Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Isaiah 25:4
You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Zechariah 7:9-10
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'"

Dear God,
We thank you for the opportunity to help build homes, communities and hope in Guatemala during this trip with Habitat for Humanity. Today we lift up our partner families to You. Your Spirit has sustained these families to reach this point in their lives and we are so grateful to be a part of what You have done and what You are doing. We pray that you continue to bless, provide for, protect and guide them. May their testimonies inspire and encourage others. May their home become a place of love, peace, prosperity, good health and security. Touch each family member to prosper in everything they put their hands to do. Bless the children and all of the dreams that will begin with this foundation that you have blessed them with. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Father in Heaven, 
We thank you for our team members and the heart that you've given them. We're grateful for the desire to serve others and pray that as each of us travel to Guatemala that you dispatch your angels to cover us and keep us safe. Be our Companion, Guide and Protector during our journey. By Your divine power, grant us a peaceful and successful journey and safe arrival. In You we place our hope and trust. May we carry out our plans according to Your will. During our travels, help us to see the beauty of Your great creation and to comprehend the wonder of Your truth in all things. We praise, honor and glorify You now and forever. Amen.

Lord God, 
We thank you for the opportunity to serve with Habitat for Humanity. We pray for the mission of this ministry which seeks to put Your love into action and bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. As we prepare for our Global Village trip to Guatemala, open our hearts, minds, eyes and ears to discern how we can continue to contribute to this work as volunteers, donors and advocates. We know that the need is great, but You are greater. Bless the staff, partner families, and supporters of this organization. Continue to give its leaders guidance and direction to know how to efficiently and effectively serve as many families in need of safe, decent and affordable shelter as possible. Let our service be an example to our loved ones and inspire them to give of their time and energy for the needs of others as well. We give you the honor and glory today. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.